The Genus JuniperusFamily Cupressaceae

This is a medium-sized genus of shrub and tree conifers native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. One species (J. virginiana) is native to the eastern United States. The needles are short and dense. Cones are small and fleshy. The flavor of gin comes from the cones of a European juniper, Juniperus communis, and other herbs and spices. A few Juniperus species and hybrids are cultivated in the Coastal Southeast.The cypress family, Cupressaceae, contains several garden-worthy genera, including false cypress (Chamaecyparis,) cedar (Cupressus,) Fujian cypress (Fokienia, bald cypress (Taxodium) and arborvitae (Thuja.)

Juniperus chinensis

J. chinensis 'Blue Vase'

Chinese juniper

The typical Juniperus chinensis is a large evergreen tree capable of growing to about eighty feet tall or more. Numerous cultivars have been selected for variations in growth habit and foliage color. The Pfitzer-type shrubs are relatively short and spreading. Foliage may be blue, green or yellowish. ‘Torulosa’ or Hollywood juniper is an upright cultivar with green foliage and an irregular shape to about twenty feet tall. This species is dioecious so only seed-bearing plants will produce the fleshy cones. Chinese juniper grows best in a sunny, well-drained site and are drought tolerant. It is reported to be moderately salt tolerant. Most references say that this species grows between zones 4 and 9.

A few cultivars are available in local nurseries. Cultivars should be propagated vegetatively. References suggest that the various cultivars have a wide range of success in propagation by cuttings. Types with more horizontal branching are relatively easy to root as winter, hardwood cuttings. Upright cultivars may be rooted with some difficulty, propagated by air-layering or may have to be grafted.

Plants in my zone 9a garden produce new growth and cones starting in early April.

Juniperus conferta(syn. Juniperus rigida subsp. conferta)

Juniperus conferta

seashore juniper

This is a spreading evergreen shrub that grows to about eighteen inches tall. It grows as a groundcover, each plant spreading over six feet or more. A few cultivars have been selected, mostly for foliage qualities. ‘Blue Pacific’ is a prostrate selection with blue green foliage. This species is dioecious, so plants (or clones) bear either pollen-bearing cones or seed-bearing. It grows best in sunny, well-drained sites and is tolerant of salt. It is recommended for zones 6 to 9.

This plant is available in local nurseries. Cuttings root easily.

My plants grow well in sites with full sun and with afternoon shade.

Juniperus conferta 'All Gold' (AASU)

Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola

Juniperus virginiana (Bonaventure Cemetary, Savannah, GA)

red cedar

This is a large native coniferous tree capable of growing to over eighty feet tall. It is more or less pyramidal when young but the canopy becomes more rounded with age. The fleshy, waxy blue cones are valuable food for birds. Plants of the Coastal Southeast are described by different authors as variety silicicola or as a separate species, Juniperus silicicola. Cultivars have been selected for growth habits and foliage color. ‘Brodie’ and 'Taylor,' for example, have narrowly upright forms. 'Hancock' has weeping branches. 'Grey Owl' is a low-spreading selection with gray-blue foliage. Not all Juniperus species are dioecious, but this one is. Plants grow well in sun to part shade in reasonably well-drained sites. It is salt tolerant. It is recommended for zones 2 and south.

The fragrant, resinous wood repels insects and the timber has been used for lining chests and closets for clothing storage. Formerly, red cedar wood was important in the manufacture of pencils.

Plants can be found in native plant nurseries and catalogs. Reports on propagation are very similar to those reported for Juniperus chinensis (see above.)

My plants grow in sun or part shade in sandy and clay soils. New growth starts in late March.

Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl' (Leu Garden)

I found Juniperus scopularum 'Pathfinder' in the plant shop of a big box store. The blue foliage attracted me and I tried this western juniper on a whim. I selected a high spot next to a prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa.) Six years later, it has grown just a few inches and tends to look tired during the summer. Looking at a variety of references, I see little agreement on the southern limit for this plant, with recommendations ranging from 7 to 9. The plant has a wide range naturally. It could be that different selections, from different sources, have different tolerances for heat. Regardless, I see nothing in my plant that makes me anxious to try another Juniperus scopulorum.

Juniperus horizontalis and J. procumbens will grow in our area and are listed as moderately salt tolerant.